Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
Became law
Last action · April 27, 2026
Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 201)

Introduced January 15, 2026

Senate
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to welding safety.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 198B to establish requirements for projects using structural steel welding, such as hiring a certified welder and meeting national welding standards; define terms; exempt welding projects performed or requested on the premises of a homeowner or farmer; EFFECTIVE January 1, 2027.

Effective date: set within the act

This act specifies its own effective date(s) for some or all of its sections instead of following the standard 90-day rule (Ky. Constitution § 55). See the act text for the exact dates.

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Plain-language summary
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This bill sets safety requirements for structural steel welding on construction projects, including the use of certified welders and compliance with national welding standards. It takes effect January 1, 2027. Projects done on a homeowner's or farmer's own property are exempt from these requirements. Who it may affect: construction contractors, welders, and businesses involved in structural steel projects, as well as homeowners and farmers who undertake welding work on their own property.

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Legislative History

Jan 15, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Jan 15, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Feb 6, 2026 · Senate
To Licensing & Occupations (S)
Feb 10, 2026 · Senate
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar
Feb 11, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Feb 23, 2026 · Senate
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Wednesday, February 25 2026 (clerical)
Feb 25, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 33-4
Yea: 33
Nay: 4
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call
Feb 26, 2026 · House
Received In House
Apr 15, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 89-5 With Floor Amendment (4)
Yea: 89
Nay: 5
Absent: 6
LegiScan roll call
Apr 15, 2026 · Senate
Passed 37-0
Yea: 37
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Phillip Wheeler

Phillip Wheeler

Senator · Senate District 31

Primary sponsor
Phillip.Wheeler@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (4)

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Portrait of Gary Clemons

Gary Clemons

Senator · Senate District 37

Co-sponsor
gary.clemons@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Scott Madon

Scott Madon

Senator · Senate District 29

Co-sponsor
scott.madon@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Gerald Neal

Gerald Neal

Senator · Senate District 33

Co-sponsor
Gerald.Neal@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Gex Williams

Gex Williams

Senator · Senate District 20

Co-sponsor
gex.williams@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Enacted: Acts chapter (final law)

Most current
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Enrolled (passed both chambers)

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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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